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George Watson's College, Edinburgh

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George Watson's College details

Address:

George Watson's College
Colinton Road, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5EG

Telephone:

0131 446 6000

Fax:

0131 446 6090

Email:

info@gwc.org.uk

Website:

www.gwc.org.uk

Authority:

Edinburgh

Gender of entry:

Mixed

Age range:

3-18

Number of students:

2,269

Affiliation:

HMC

Gender of sixth form:

Mixed

Last inspection:

March 2004. Read the full inspection report.

General information

Headteacher: Gareth Edwards.

Background: Today, George Watson's college is a fully integrated school, catering for girls and boys from nursery through to senior 6 on a single campus just to the south of Edinburgh's City Centre. Throughout the School's long history, there have been many changes since its foundation as a Charitable Hospital in 1741. The Hospital was the legacy of merchant and financier George Watson; today, the George Watson's Family Foundation continues this legacy, raising funds for bursary support. George Watson's Hospital was remodelled into a day school with a continuing nucleus of Foundationers. It first opened as George Watson's College on 26 September 1870, with a roll of 1,000 pupils and Dr George Ogilvie as Headmaster. In 1871 the merchant company, having taken the decision to provide similar educational opportunities for girls, established George Watson's Ladies' College in Melville House (formerly home to Admiral Duncan). The boys' School was moved from Archibald Place to new buildings in Colinton Road in 1932, and on 1 October 1974 George Watson?s College and George Watson's Ladies' College were amalgamated to form one co-educational School, fully accommodated at Colinton Road since 1975.There is huge scope to get involved in orchestras, choirs, team games, solo sports and drama, not to mention a huge range of clubs representing all sorts of interests.

Inspection: March 2004: HM Inspectors identified the following key strengths. The strong leadership provided by the principal and the head of the junior school, effectively supported by their deputies. The extensive choice of extra-curricular activities which enhanced and extended pupils? learning experiences. Strong partnerships with parents and successful links with the wider community. HM Inspectors identified the following key strengths in the junior school. The school?s positive climate and relationships and the high level of pastoral care. Levels of attainment, particularly in writing. The quality of support for pupils experiencing learning difficulties. HM Inspectors identified the following key strengths in the senior school. The overall quality of attainment in S3 to S6. The well-motivated pupils and highly committed staff. The school?s systems for setting targets and tracking pupils? progress in S4 to S6. The quality of the curriculum in S5/S6..

Boys' age range: 3 to 18.

Girls' age range: 3 to 18.

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